JCs & Millennia Institute Will Remove Mid-Year Exams, Similar to Secondary & Primary Schools

When the months of April and May approach, people may think of this period as the perfect season to travel, be it ushering the springtime by witnessing the cherry blossoms in Japan and Korea or experiencing much cooler temperatures in countries like Australia and Switzerland. 

Basically, the ideal time to turn your wanderlust into reality. 

However, the same cannot be said for students in Singapore. Instead of pink flower petals falling like a scene from a romantic drama or taking in the shiok weather in Perth, there are only two words that run through their minds during this time of the year. 

Mid-year examinations. 

However, things have been starting to look a little different since 2022. 

Last year, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced the removal of mid-year examinations for primary and secondary schools by 2023. 

If you are a pre-university student, you do not need to FOMO.

On 1 March 2023, MOE said that students entering JCs and Millennia Institute from 2024 do not need to take mid-year exams as well. 

MOE Aims to Reduce the Emphasis on Grades and Tests

These changes are part of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) larger aim to reduce the heavy focus on school results and exam-based assessments.  

Examinations are naturally the backbone of every student’s time in school, and especially so in Singapore where we are known for our rigorous education system.

Pre-university students take many exams within the span of a year, with the mid-year exams just being one of the many important tests they have to take. 

Therefore, MOE has been making changes to the education system to lessen the focus on school results, and make room for more diverse learning experiences for students. 

Mental Health Lessons Are to Be Gradually Rolled Out as Well

Another implementation by MOE that prospective students in JCs and Millennia Institute can look out for will be the conducting of Mental Health Education lessons to inform students on how to improve their mental wellness. 

These lessons have been carried out for all lower secondary students as part of the refreshed Character and Citizenship Education.

With these classes to be extended for other primary, secondary, and pre-university students, it is a great step forward in the efforts towards taking care of students’ well-being. 

With these initiatives in place, maybe students will look forward to going to school now.